Montana tribe seeks management role at National Bison Range

Thursday, July 26, 2012  

The third time could be the charm for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes as they seek a management role at the National Bison Range in Montana.

The range is located entirely within the boundaries of the Flathead Reservation. Its herd descends from bison that were raised by tribal members.

But two prior self-determination agreements at the range were rescinded amid complaints and a lawsuit by some government employees. The tribe contends there's anti-Indian bias lurking within the opposition.

"For the tribes to be successful, we have to do it better," Tom McDonald, the manager of the tribes' Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation, told The Wall Street Journal.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a public notice for anew annual funding agreement with the tribe. A decision could come by the end of this year.

Get the Story:
A Big-Sky Battle Over Bison (The Wall Street Journal 7/26)

Montana tribe again moves toward agreement at bison range (05/16)